Head South for the Spring: Travel to Guatemala with a Local Nonprofit

For the past six years, Reading Village (www.readingvillage.org) - a Boulder-based international development organization - has been empowering Guatemalan youth to eradicate illiteracy and break the cycle of poverty in their rural, indigenous communities. Combining literacy promotion, leadership development, and high school scholarships the organization has created a model of sustainable development that is slowly but surely creating a culture of literacy where there was none. "We envision these communities thriving under their own resources and creativity," said Founder & Director Linda Smith. "And we need your help to make that happen."

That's why twice a year, Reading Village leads service-learning and cultural immersion trips to Guatemala. Traveling alongside international philanthropists, organization board members, program staff, and teen scholars is the best way to understand Reading Village’s work.

Whether you’re eighteen or eighty, there’s something to learn from Guatemala. For eight days you will visit the colonial town of Antigua, explore the ancient Mayan ruins of Iximché, and tour a coffee cooperative on Lake Atitlán. What’s more, you will get to know our teens personally, the challenges they face and the impact they have. You’ll visit their homes, share a meal with their families, and have an authentic experience of Mayan traditions and rural life.

Combining cultural immersion with experiential learning, Reading Village's Learning Journeys are a great way to experience a developing country and get off the beaten path! The safe, thoughtful, and curious environment that is fostered on these trips will change the way you look at the world.